Combined molded arch-support and shoe-sole.



J. A. SMITH. COMBINED MOLDED ARCH SUPPORT AND SHOE SOLE.

APPLICATION man JUNE 19, 1916.

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JAMES A. SMITH, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-THIRD T0 WILLIAM N. DORSETT AND ONE-THIRD T0 WILLIAM E1. DAVIS, OF WASHINGTON,

DISTRICT 015 COLUMBIA.

COllEEBINED MOLDED ARCH-SUPPORT AND SHOE-SOLE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 115, 1918.,

Application filed June 19, 1916. Serial No. 104,410.

To all whom it may concerh:

Be it known that T, JAMES A. SMITH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Molded Arch-Supports and Shoe-Soles; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements in combined arch supports and shoe soles.

The object of this invention is to provide a combined shoe sole and outside arch support molded from a suitable composition in the form of a unitary structure and which may be made either with or without heels and sold as articles of manufacture to the trade for use in manufacturing shoes of any desired character. By so constructing this sole and support the wearer of a shoe so equipped may pivot on the ball of his details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed may be made withinthe scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 represents a central longitudinal section of a combined shoe sole, arch, support and heel shown applied, the shoe being in dotted lines;

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view thereof;

Fig. 3 is a central longitudinal section of a combined sole and arch support, the heel being formed separately;

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof.

In the embodiment illustrated, in Figs. 1 and 2, a shoe sole 1 is shown composed of any suitable moldable material, preferably I which the sole is molded. On the outer face of this sole 1 along the shank thereof, is formed a longitudinally extending arch support in the form of an integral rib 2 which tapers in thickness from one end to the other with its thicker end arranged toward the breast of the heel 3 and formed integral therewith and having its tapered end extending toward the toe terminating adjacent the ball of the sole.

The heel 3 is also made integral with the Sole as well as with the shank rib, all of which are molded in the form of a unitary structure with the outer or lower face of the arch supporting rib arranged flush with the surface engaging face of the heel and sole at the ball of the foot. These combined sole, heel and arch supports may be very cheaply constructed and applied and while greatly improving the comfort of the shoe may be manufactured at a very low cost and there is no possibility of the supports being twisted or torn from the sole.

In Figs. 3 and 4 the sole 1 and the arch supporting shank rib 2' only are formed in one piece, a heel receiving seat 4 being formed at the free thicker end of the rib 2' and on which may be secured in any suitable manner a heel 3 of either rubber, leather or other suitable material.

Molded in the shank rib 2' which constitutes the arch support is a reinforcing strip 5, one end of which projects beyond the free thicker end of the rib 2 and is designed to .enter the breast of the heel to prevent any possibility of the rib being bent laterally or torn off. The projecting end of this reinforcing strip 5 has a longitudinally extending slot 6 therein for the passage therethrough of a fastening element notv shown, and which permits a certain play to prevent the separation of the rib from the heel on the bending of the sole.

From the above description, it will be understood that the combination of a sole, arch support and heel in a unitary molded structure may be very cheaply made and W111 be very efficient in operation, the heel bracing the arch supporting rib and avoiding the connected with the rear end of'the arch supporting rib, the lower face of the rib being arranged flush with the lower face of the heel and with the ball portion of the sole.

2. As an article of manufacture, 'a molded shoe sole havingan integral arch supporting rib on the shank thereof and. a seat at the rear of said rib, and a heel detachably of the heel and with the ban portion of the sole.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing wit- 15 nesses.

JAMES A. SMITH.

Witnesses: Geo. E. WINTERS, HARVEY N. Frrron. 

